08 Nov 2015

Agriculture plays a critical part in employment creation. A heat wave that hit the country recently impacted on various sectors of agriculture.

In an interview, a small stock farmer, Mr Kereng Moalosi, of Takalane farms in Ramokgwebana stated that he had lost close to 40 goats due to heat wave.

He said his goats developed an illness and that most of them had blood along the neckline. He added that even though he made an attempt to inject them, there was no difference.

Mr Moalosi was funded through youth development fund and they gave him P98 331 to buy 40 goats. 

Furthermore, he stated that he had tried everything in his power to save his goats but still there was no difference. 

“I am not happy with Youth office since they do not assist and track down our business, to check on how we are doing and the challenges we are facing,” he added. Since Ramokgwebana falls under the red zone which was affected by Foot and Mouth disease, Mr Moalosi said that he fears for his goats and intends to move his farm to Matenge, near Shashe River. 

He said that due to heat wave and drought he used a lot of money to come up with solutions on how to help his goats.

One horticultural farmer , Ms Uyapo Machola stated that even though heat wave has  affected her butternut, tomato, spring onions and rape she still has hope that everything with be back to normal.

She said that tomatoes were less affected since they are shaded and that she is working round the clock to mend her engine which has not been working for two weeks now. 

She also stated that during extreme temperatures vegetables needs a lot of water or else they perish therefore sufficient water can only help the situation they are facing. 

She also added that she will now have to buy more manure and water her vegetables.

She said that due to heat wave her wallet has also flattened since she did not produce and supply anything. Ms Machola also stated that she has lost all her green pepper seedlings and almost one hectare of cabbage.

Mr Deboyson Mathe, a horticultural farmer at Kgari Village indicated that even though heat wave has affected 0.7 hectares of his tomatoes he will not be left empty handed.

“Heat wave mostly affected tomato leaves and left the fruits in the open,” he added. 

Mr Mathe stated that his tomato was in the flowering stage and because of heat it will abort fruits.

He added that he expected more yields in November 14 but now they will drop because of the situation.

He said that due to heat wave he was forced to water thoroughly and this raised the water costs since he has to buy P200 diesel time and again for his pump in order to reticulate water. 

He also stated that using a drip is also a challenge since it waters a small portion therefore he had to pump more water and he is forced to use a lot of diesel. Ends